Rode Wireless GO (Gen 3)

Versatile complete system with two transmitter modules and a 2-channel receiver, ideal for interviews and other occasions where two sound sources need to be recorded or transmitted simultaneously and separately. The small transmitter modules already have a built-in microphone and can be conveniently attached to clothing with their clip. The modules each have an internal LiPo battery that allows up to 7 hours of operation. The range of the radio link is a full 260 metres in a clear line of sight.

The signal quality is at its best, both analogue and digital: crystal clear and ready for immediate transmission. The transmitters work with RØDE's ingenious GainAssist automatic levelling system. The limiting sound pressure level of the built-in microphone is a whopping 123.5 dB SPL - so ugly distortions are virtually impossible. If you wish, you can record the sound directly in the transmitter module with 32-bit float; the internal memory is sufficient for more than 40 hours.

The receiver module provides two-channel audio output, either analogue via the receiver's 3.5 mm TRRS socket or digital via the USB-C socket. In addition to a camera, the receiver can also be connected to a smartphone or iPhone. The necessary USB cables are included in the scope of delivery. The highlight: If you use the USB-C port for sound output, you can use the 3.5 mm socket for headphones to listen in on the recording. As this is a four-pin TRRS socket, you can also connect a headset or wired mobile phone headphones and thus integrate a third microphone signal.

Wireless GO comes with a comprehensive range of accessories, including a triple USB strip (SC33), a 3.5 mm TRS connection cable (SC2) to the camera, a USB-C to Lightning cable (SC21), a USB-C to USB-C cable (SC22), three fur windscreens for outdoor recordings and a high-quality neoprene carrying case. The modules are manufactured at RØDE's precision facility in Sydney, Australia.

The TX transmitter modules

Each of the two 4x4 cm transmitter modules has a high-quality microphone built in, which has been optimised for voice transmission. The clip on the back makes it easy to attach the transmitter module to clothing. For outdoor recordings, you should always use one of the supplied fur windscreens. Simply pull back the hair and attach the windscreen so that the two white dots match the two black dots on the module. Then turn it a quarter turn to the right and it will sit securely on the module.

If the transmitter module is too conspicuous in the picture, you can use the 3.5 mm TRS socket on the side and connect an external microphone - for example the Lavalier GO or Lavalier II - there. The TRS socket has an external thread so that the plug of the Lavalier II can be screwed on with its union nut. This makes it impossible to accidentally loosen the plug.

GainAssist technology

GainAssist, RØDE's intelligent automatic gain control system, which permanently adjusts the internal gain setting in the transmitter module to the respective sound source, is very helpful. In this way, you are protected from surprises and the audio signal is always transmitted at a healthy level and with the best possible intelligibility.

Recording in the transmitter module, 32-bit float audio

Wireless GO offers a recording function directly in the transmitter module and an internal 32 GB audio memory for this purpose, which is sufficient for more than 40 hours. The recording is uncompressed as a WAV file with 32-bit float audio. The advantage: as long as the limit sound pressure level of 123 dB is not exceeded, it is virtually impossible to distort the signal through digital clipping. Very loud passages with flattened level peaks can be subsequently equalised by normalisation during post-production in a DAW compatible with 32-bit float.

The RX receiver module

DSLR film-makers can attach the receiver module to the camera's hot shoe. The 3.5 mm socket on the module is then connected to the camera's 3.5 mm microphone input using the short TRS spiral cable supplied. You can then set whether the signals from the two transmitters are output separately (TX1 left/TX2 right) or in mono - in this case, the signals from TX1 and TX2 are combined and recorded identically on the left and right channels of the camera so that the sound comes directly from the centre during playback in the stereo image. The two buttons on the front are used for configuration; the colour LC display provides information on the input level, level reduction, mute status, battery charge status of the transmitter and receiver, connection status, display mode and output level or output mode.

Flexibly usable outputs

The USB-C port of the receiver module is not only used to charge the battery, but also as a digital output to output the sound to a smart phone or iPhone. The scope of delivery includes both a USB-C to USB-C cable and a USB-C to Lightning cable. If you use the USB-C port for sound output, the 3.5 mm TRRS socket is free to connect headphones and control the audio signals directly during recording. You can also connect a headset or mobile phone headphones and also use the microphone.

Configuration

The free "RØDE Central" software can be used to update the firmware, activate additional functions and make special settings. For example, you can activate the safety mode, which makes the sound output on the right channel 20 dB quieter. If the sound on the main track (left channel) becomes audibly distorted at any point (e.g. due to an unexpectedly loud sound source), you can simply switch back to the quieter safety track in post-production. The Auto On/Off function is also interesting for DSLR film makers. Once activated, the receiver module switches on and off automatically together with the camera. The receiver detects the 4 volt plug-in power applied to the camera's microphone input.